Damon Reed, 40, of the Woodlawn neighborhood in Chicago, is the artist behind the new mural on Evanston’s Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center.

Q: How did you get involved with the Evanston mural at Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center?

A: Chicago Public Art Group, an organization I have worked with for the past 18 years, contacted me about the possible opportunity. I jumped at the chance to work in a new community.

Q: Tell me about the mural you're working on there. What inspired the design?

A: We stood outside of the barbershop and a diverse group of individuals came by. We asked them several questions about the neighborhood and its history. I heard priceless stories about the ups and downs and trials and obstacles of the area. It went much better than I could have hoped for.

I took those stories about home ownership and black business and family and created a design that shows a young husband and wife who have just purchased a home. A laptop displays ideas on a business they are starting. There is a vision board and materials — scissors, glue — that display dreams and how they can learn from Evanston history to move forward.

Q: How did you get started in mural painting?

A: I actually planned on going to graduate school for children's book illustration. But after a mishap in the bursar's office the Art Institute would not release my transcripts. Meanwhile artist Bernard Williams spoke in a class I was taking, "The History of Mural Painting." While headed to see some of his murals on a class field trip, I pulled out my portfolio and showed it to him. It was then he told me he would need an assistant for his next project, which was also my first project with the Chicago Public Art Group.

Q: What work are you most proud of?

A: There is an intersection on the West Side of Chicago, California and Roosevelt, and my work is on three corners (a park is on the other corner). I feel like it's my own outdoor gallery.

One of my largest projects is on the Safe Haven, which is something like a transitional facility where people who need help live. A group of men who lived there assisted on the project. Another one is on Chalmers School across the street, which was funded by Josh Groban. And another is on the day care caddy corner from the school, because she didn't want to be left out.

They are all large, bright, colorful, uplifting bricolage mosaics on a major intersection, and they will forever be a part of my legacy as an artist.

Q: What is your favorite stop in Evanston for lunch or after work?

A: Last time I went to this Jamaican restaurant, Claire's Corner. Now I'm a fan.

Q: What is one thing you can't leave home without?

A: I would say cell phone, but that's so cliche. So I'm gonna go with my portfolio. Many times I have met future clients while I was on the go or at a party or some event. I make sure I stay prepared.

Q: Are there any countries in the world where you dream of painting a mural?

A: I'll go with Egypt. I love the style of old paintings that were produced there. It would be cool to do a mural there where I merge my style with that traditional imagery.

Q: What book are you reading?

A: Currently I've just been reading the Bible, but it never gets old, lol.

I believe it's the greatest book ever written. I’m currently working on growing a deeper relationship with God. I am at a point in my life where I need to shut off all distractions and become the best me for my wife and daughters.

Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

A: I'd say the power to heal broken hearts. There are so many people that just don't seem happy. The joy is gone. They have no inspiration. Much of that is a result of them being hurt at some point earlier in their life and feeling like things could never get better. Fixing a broken heart would restore so much in a person.

Q: Anything else we should know about you?

A: I'm super excited to be working on this project. I hope it will not only be a source of strength and beacon of hope for the community, but also a landmark that will bring culture to the area.